A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Inverness for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pamukkale or Inverness?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Inverness can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a unique, iconic, and striking town. Pamukkale is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Pamukkale travel costs.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Inverness travel costs.

Pamukkale and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pamukkale or Inverness?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Inverness. Although Pamukkale and Inverness are both popular with visitors, Inverness has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Inverness is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Pamukkale is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pamukkale is popular for its natural travertine terraces, thermal springs, and ancient ruins. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. It is also home to Loch Ness.

How is Pamukkale different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Inverness and Pamukkale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pamukkale or Inverness?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Inverness is a great city for its historical sights. However, Pamukkale is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Pamukkale offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is located within the ancient city of Hierapolis. It's housed in a former Roman bathhouse and displays an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, and other relics from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and other nearby ancient cities.


Is the Food Better in Pamukkale or Inverness? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Inverness is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Pamukkale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has a number of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and pide (Turkish flatbread). Gözleme (a savory stuffed pancake) is a popular street food in the area, but there are also many of the most popular Turkish dishes available.

Is Pamukkale or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Inverness is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pamukkale is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Inverness has a few options to choose from. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Most people don't head to Pamukkale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a quiet town in the evening. Some hotels host small social gatherings or cultural evenings which lets you connect with other travelers. For a more lively experience, nearby Denizli has a broader range of bars and clubs, but it requires a short trip.

Is Pamukkale or Inverness Better for Hiking?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Pamukkale. The most popular trail leads through the travertine terraces, where visitors can walk barefoot across the warm, calcium-rich pools. You can also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which has pathways winding through the theater, necropolis, and other historical sites. For something a little more challenging, the surrounding countryside has trails through the hills that lead to impressive viewpoints.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Pamukkale or Inverness?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Inverness is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Pamukkale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of souvenir shops around town where you can buy local crafts or trinkets. You'll find Turkish towels and carpets, dried spices, herbs, and teas. Many shops also sell Diorama stones and miniature travertine sculptures.

Is Pamukkale or Inverness More Beautiful?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Inverness is not a destination known for its beauty.

Pamukkale is a beautiful place to visit, too. It is considered to be one of Turkey's most unique natural wonders. The white travertine terraces, which are filled with turquoise thermal waters, create an other-worldly landscape.

Inverness is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pamukkale or Inverness Better for Families?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pamukkale is a very kid-friendly town. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting the unique Travertine Terraces. Taking a dip in Cleopatra's Pool, with its sunken Roman columns, is also a highlight, and fans of the Percy Jackson series will appreciate visiting the ancient ruins at Hierapolis.

Inverness is a family-friendly town. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.


Is Pamukkale or Inverness Better for Couples?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Pamukkale is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy many romantic settings, such as wandering through the impressive white travertine terraces, swimming in Cleopatra's Pool surrounded by ancient Roman columns, and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Inverness is a good town for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Pamukkale or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pamukkale is a great town to visit for backpackers. Food and activities are convenient and accessible around town. There are also many affordable hostels and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Pamukkale or Inverness Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Pamukkale has a few public transit options. Minibuses (dolmuş) are the primary mode of local transportation, connecting Pamukkale to nearby towns like Denizli, where the main bus and train stations are located. From Denizli, frequent minibuses run to Pamukkale.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Pamukkale or Inverness a more walkable city?

Pamukkale
Inverness

Pamukkale and Inverness are very good when it comes to walkability.

Pamukkale is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and very walkable, especially within the main tourist areas. The travertine terraces and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are easy to explore on foot as well.

Inverness is very walkable. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Pamukkale Worth Visiting? and Is Inverness Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Pamukkale?

How long in Pamukkale or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pamukkale and Inverness. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Inverness than in Pamukkale. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamukkale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Inverness.

Families should spend more time in Pamukkale than Inverness. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pamukkale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Pamukkale than Inverness. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pamukkale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamukkale than Inverness if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pamukkale.


  • How many days in Pamukkale or Inverness? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pamukkale 1-2 
    Inverness 1-3

One day in Pamukkale or Inverness?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Pamukkale. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamukkale has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Inverness. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pamukkale or Inverness?

You'll find shopping and food around the unique destination of Pamukkale. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Inverness. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Pamukkale or Inverness?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the striking town of Pamukkale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Inverness. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pamukkale or Inverness?

Pamukkale is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Inverness is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Inverness or Pamukkale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Pamukkale Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Inverness Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pamukkale $162
    Inverness $278

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $162, while the average daily cost in Inverness is $278. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pamukkale and Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $44
    Inverness $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $88
    Inverness $250
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Inverness? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pamukkale


Hotels in Inverness


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $28
    Inverness $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $78
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $108
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $114
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $114
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $119
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $121
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $149
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $185
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $159
  • Inverness Airport and Hotels Private Transfers: $110
  • CO2-Offset Transfer from Inverness City to Inverness Airport : $97
  • Private Inverness Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $65
  • Private Inverness Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness and Pamukkale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pamukkale $94
    Inverness $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $42
    Inverness $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $47
  • Pamukkale&Hierapolis Small Group Tour (Entrance Tickets Extra): $50
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Skip-the-Line Tickets and Audio Guide: $51
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Experience Including Pickup: $59
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Tour : $70
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City Tour from Antalya: $80
  • Natural Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale - Small Group : $82
  • Izmir: Ephesus, House of Mary Tour w/Entry Tickets & Lunch: $84

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1 Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour: $98
  • 1 Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $112
  • 1 Day Tour from Inverness - Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools, and Eilean Donan Castle : $136
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in Inverness City Centre with a Guide: $205
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $116
  • Balmoral Castle Tour From Inverness: $262
  • Cairngorms & Whisky Day Tour from Inverness Including Admission: $89
  • Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness Sightseeing Cruise: $30
  • Castles, Skye & The Fairy Pools 1-Day Tour from Inverness: $111
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket: $11
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $177
  • Clan Tour - OUTLANDER series and Loch Ness: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $11
    Inverness $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery Tour & Tasting: $44
  • Legendary Glenmorangie Distillery Visit: $177
  • INVERGORDON PORT Tour Dunrobin, Dornoch & Distillery : $178
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery & Fairytale Dunrobin Castle: $231
  • Dunrobin Castle and Distillery Tour: $270
  • Round of Golf, Inverness & Highland Distillery from Invergordon : $274


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Inverness, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Pamukkale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamukkale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamukkale and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Pamukkale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Inverness Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Inverness?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Inverness, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Inverness?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Inverness in the Summer?

Both Inverness and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

In July, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Inverness in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Inverness. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Pamukkale is much warmer than Inverness in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Inverness. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Inverness in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Inverness. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Pamukkale is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Inverness averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Inverness in the Spring?

Both Inverness and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pamukkale in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Inverness. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)